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Equinox is here

and change is in the air.

What a special time of year!  I love Spring Equinox.  It's the best time for renewal, rebirth, and inspiration.  Get rid of whatever is not serving you.  The beautiful butterfly migration and blooms are the sign that change is here, and a new season is born.  Wishing you all the best in this new part of 2019 and hope to see you sometime on the path!

Speaking of change... 

I had such an exciting trip to Washington DC again this year.  Thrilling to speak with our country's lawmakers.  We are collaborating with them to give feedback in the hopes of helping shape real solutions for our healthcare system.  Let's hope...The key takeaways are exciting!  We are discussing:

- Individual and Family plan market stabilization - reduce cost and improve the market- Repealing the Cadillac Tax for good (The Cadillac Tax is a 40% excise tax on more expensive plans, making it a burden on many employers, Bill HR 748.)- Fix billing issues (called Balance Billing) so when you have no choice in an emergency, you won't be stuck with a crazy bill for out-of-network providers- Returning Full Time employee definition to 40 hours- Addressing the good and bad of Medicare for All and more

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ) inspired me and had me smiling.  He talked about the need to work across party lines, his lack of concern for stepping on toes, but only doing what his constituents wanted.  When I asked him about adding holistic practices like yoga and meditation to our healthcare system as part of prevention, he made a joke "well, I can sit still for maybe a minute, but yes, this is necessary."  He mentioned a few of his colleagues in Congress swear by these practices. Too funny, Josh!

It is always such a pleasure to spend time in Rep. Brad Sherman's (CA) office with him and his team.  They're always so open to learning more about the role of the broker and get updates from us about what's really happening with his constituents.  He really cares about the consumer's experience.  I always feel like he's really listening and takes great care to stay open to implementing our suggestions.

Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, received a standing ovation for his insightful remarks on reform efforts by the current administration including reducing prescription drug prices, increasing access and quality of care, transparency, and eliminating bill errors.  He admitted he himself was a victim of incorrect billing.  It was clear that he understands how we can all fall into this skyrocketing claim costs that we all have experienced at some point.

During my time with them, I tried to communicate the agony our current healthcare system is causing when it should be healing people.  Plus, I shared the necessity to transform what we have now to make things more efficient.  

I want to thank our representatives for all they do to help us.  There is so much good happening, and real possibility for change exists.

However, there are some new details coming out from the White House about a possible repeal of the ACA, leaving it unclear what is going to happen next.

What is clear from my time in Washington that we must remain open and embrace all ideas to correct our current system.  We must work together to come up with a solution moving forward and learn from our current market.  Don't jump to any conclusion based on party lines; let's work together.  

This got me thinking... we are all very polarized right now.  Some are demanding Medicare-for-all, some to go back to the way things were before the ACA.  I'd love to know... what do YOU think?  Fill out the survey below to fill me in on your thoughts and experiences.

For our Medicare clients

Blue Shield has a unique opportunity to apply for Medicare Part F Extra without underwriting approval from now until 4/15/19!  This could be a fantastic money-saving option for some of you.  Call or email us today for more information.

For all clients

A very important reminder to check to make sure you have paid your bill for March.  If you are cancelled due to non-payment, we cannot enroll you in a health insurance plan until next January!  Let us know if you need assistance paying your bill.  

Spring Break is here!

Don't leave home without your travel insurance policy to protect your trip and your health when you're on the go.  Have fun and worry less knowing you're fully covered when outside your home country.

Blessings,Naama and the A+ Insurance Team

💕